Multiple choice

A mixture contains two solutions S and W in the ratio of 4 : 1. On adding 3 litres of W, the ratio of S to W becomes 8 : 3. The quantity of S in the original mixture was

  1. 16 litres

  2. 22.75 litres

  3. 24 litres

  4. 26 litres

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Original ratio S:W = 4x:x. After adding 3L of W: 4x / (x+3) = 8/3. 12x = 8x + 24. 4x = 24. x = 6. Original S = 4x = 24 litres.

AI explanation

Let the initial volumes of solutions S and W be 4x and x, meaning the original mixture has 4x litres of S. After adding 3 litres of W, the new ratio of S to W is 8 to 3, so the equation is 4x divided by (x + 3) equals 8 divided by 3. Solving for x gives 12x = 8x + 24, which means x = 6. The original quantity of S was 4x, so multiplying 4 by 6 gives 24 litres.